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For many visitors who attend the annual Victorian Christmas Tour in Newport, the event signals the beginning of the holiday season. This year, the East Row Historic Foundation presents its 15th Annual Victorian Christmas Tour from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6-7 in the East Row Historic District. The tour will showcase six historic homes and the beautifully restored Gen. James Taylor Mansion, which houses the law firm of Gerner & Kearns Co. and is the site for the tour’s ticket sales. While garlands and greenery are hardly needed for the homes, which were selected for the 2008 tour for their distinctive creativity and historic design, the residences and mansion will be decorated in their most beautiful — and sometimes surprising — holiday finery. Three homes are opening to the public for the first time while two have undergone interior renovations, one under a new owner. Besides holiday décor, visitors will see newly renovated kitchens, bathrooms and other areas. Among the highlights: • In a circa 1890 Queen Anne-style home, the homeowner describes the interior rooms as a “contemporary twist on a traditional Victorian.” The Christmas décor will include a leopard and fur-themed floor. • On the walls of an 1874 Italianate townhouse, which is decorated with family antiques, hang numerous reproduction samplers all intricately stitched by the homeowner, an accomplished needlework artist. • Besides a collection of Father Christmas figures, a 1913 Colonial Revival, owned by self-confessed Christmas decorating enthusiasts, showcases many antique family photographs along with work from Cincinnati artists. In addition, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, an 1897 Victorian Gothic structure at Eighth and Monroe streets, will present organ music while St. John’s United Church of Christ, 315 Park Ave., will host daily concerts by classical musicians and handball choirs, and will be open for tours. Tickets, which are $15 per person, may be purchased at the James Taylor Mansion, 335 E. Third St., during tour hours. Children under the age of 12, when accompanied by an adult, will be admitted free. Advanced tickets may also be purchased online at www.eastrow.org or at Newport businesses, Kentucky Haus, 411 E. 10th St., The Galleries Together, 701 Park Ave. and Steamboat Bagels, 336 Monmouth St. For convenience, a shuttle bus will make periodic stops along the tour route. The tour homes are not handicapped accessible, although the historic district may be easily maneuvered by wheelchairs. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the Brighton Center, which provides 41 programs for individuals and families throughout Northern Kentucky. For further information, including directions and parking, go to www.eastrow.org or call (859) 491-7696.
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It’s the Season to Save and Newport on the Levee is hosting an event to help educate guests on ways to save money, stretch your dollars for the holidays and get the biggest bang for your buck! County music star, Jo Dee Messina, will perform FREE for 90 minutes. Local vendors will be on- hand to inform guests on ways to help save money and reduce spending. Q102’s Amy Tobin will perform a cooking demonstration with ideas for gifts from the kitchen and inexpensive holiday appetizers and FOX19’s Nathan Bachrach will speak on money-saving tips! Rob Williams of the FOX19 Morning News will emcee the event. Prizes will be given away throughout the night including the grand prize of a Bose wave radio at 8:45 p.m. (must be present to win).